Travel Miscellanea #2: Packing Ultra Light

A rainy day of trekking in Sri Lanka.  Don't forget your leech socks.

Most people we met on the road were stunned and envious of our very small backpacks.  Indeed, the average backpacker was lugging around packs 2-3 times larger and heavier, and the average vacationer had several giant rolling bags in tow.  Why?  We had everything we needed.  After several requests, we are revealing our science...

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Danielle's backpack: Dueter Future Pro 34 Liter.

Contents (11-12 kilo; clockwise from top left): 
 Theives antiseptic spray, Arnica pain relief topical rub, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, brush, pumice stone, Tide stain removal pen, shaver, bag of teeth cleaning supplies, bag of digestive aides (ginger pills, activated charcoal, essential oils), earplugs and eye covers, small candle, fully stocked first aid kit, collapsible bowls, thermoses and tea, medium compression bag of clothes, bandana and hat.

Micah's backpack: Osprey Talon 44 Liter.

Contents (15 kilo; clockwise from top left):

Small zip bags for power adapters and phone power cords; Teva sandals (2), small compression bag of clothes (2), trail shoes (2), miscellaneous books (guidebook and phrasebook, maps, pleasure reading), fold-able toiletries bag, flip flops, poncho and compressible raincoat, insect repellent and sunscreen, mini binoculars, yoga straps, and thin travel yoga mats (not pictured).  Shoes took up most of the room, but, then again, we do a lot of walking.

Micah's day-pack contents (roughly clockwise from top left):
hat, sunglasses, small headlamps, knife (except when flying), snacks, cheap phone for local SIM cards, calculator, wallet, money/passport belt, cable and lock for day-pack, small containers for the most essential power cords and toiletries, bag for ipods and headphones, portable speaker, journals, laptop and power cord, thumb drives, small digital camera, Kindle e-readers (2), bag of travel documents (including small notebook and calendar).   This was all the stuff we couldn't live without should our backpacks be lost by the airlines. 

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What you see here is our tropical packing system.  When we were in Bulgaria and India we were also carrying long underwear, fleeces, scarves and winter hats. 

Danielle's luggage was little more than a day-pack -- actually a tad small in hindsight.  Mine would normally be used for a very minimal 1-2 night camping trip.  We had zero room for souvenirs, but we did send some purchases back to the states along the way.  Our clothing rotation was rather limited, but more than once we donated or discarded worn clothes and shoes and replaced them easily and on the cheap.

Our method required diligence.  Everything was compartmentalized in small containers or zip-lock bags.  Everything had its exact place so we could get to it quickly.  We double and triple-checked every hotel or guesthouse we left to make sure we weren't leaving anything behind.  We very rarely let our luggage out of our sight when in transit.

All of this attention to detail paid off when we were walking down some dusty rural road towards a distant bus stop, or paying (less) airline fees, or simply feeling free.  Danielle and I are both worry about accumulating more stuff when we return home and can't seem to remember what we put into storage.

In the past we found a lot of satisfaction in a beautiful home and a bountiful garden.  This year the emphasis has been reversed -- an absolute minimum of stuff and a tightly monitored budget have allowed us a lifestyle rich in experiences.

Micah